A model for identifying cytomegalovirus in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Colonic cytomegalovirus DNA detection by polymerase chain reaction does not influence outcomes in inflammatory bowel disease and immunosuppressed cohorts

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) colitis is associated with negative outcomes in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and immunosuppressed cohorts and therefore requires timely recognition for appropriate management. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic tools for CMV colitis and their associations with clinical outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of patients in a metropolitan health service with colonic samples analysed for CMV between 2012 and 2022, stratified into IBD and non-IBD groups, was performed. The main outcome measures were the prevalence of positive and negative results for each CMV test, as well as need for colectomy, use of antiviral and hospital length of stay.

RESULTS

Five hundred eighty-two biopsies from 418 patients were included; the median age was 36 years (interquartile range, 24-52 years) and 223 (53.3%) were men. Four hundred sixty-one (79.2%) biopsies were from patients with IBD and 121 (20.8%) were from those without IBD. There were similar proportions of positive CMV histology (IBD 5.9% and non-IBD 7.4%) and tissue CMV polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the two groups (IBD 5.6% and non-IBD 5.0%), but within each group, results were discordant. Positive CMV histology was significantly associated with need for colectomy in the IBD group, while positive tissue CMV PCR was not. Positive CMV histology, and tissue and serum CMV PCR were all significantly associated with antiviral use. Positive serum CMV PCR was significantly associated with colectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Histopathology remains the most predictive tool in assessing CMV colitis, while qualitative tissue CMV PCR was found to have limited utility. Quantitative serum CMV PCR may be useful but requires further evaluation.

Infectious Disease Pathology of the Gastrointestinal Tract: Diagnosing the Challenging Cases

Infectious diseases of the GI tract mimic a variety of other GI diseases, including chronic idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease and ischemia. It can be challenging to identify pathogens in tissue sections as well, as many trainees are not exposed to infectious disease pathology other than in the context of microbiology. Our ability to diagnose infections in formalin fixed, paraffin embedded material has grown exponentially with the advent of new histochemical and immunohistochemical stains, as well as more options for molecular testing. Correlating these diagnostic techniques with morphology has led to increasing understanding of the histologic patterns that are associated with specific pathogens.

Ulcerative Colitis Concomitant with Cytomegalovirus Infection, Bullous Sweet's Syndrome, and Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Case Report and Literature Review

Background

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, relapsing progressive inflammatory immune disease. There is still no cure for it. Even worse, UC may predispose patients to opportunistic infections, and several extra-intestinal manifestations (EIMs) and comorbidities may antedate, occur with, or postdate the onset of UC, which may increase the mortality risk. But case reports of UC patients simultaneously concomitant with opportunistic infection, EIM, and comorbidity are extremely rare.

Case Presentation

We report a case of 51-year-old male patient with incipient UC accompanied by cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and bullous Sweet's syndrome (bSS, a cutaneous EIM of UC) after treatment with oral mesalazine and prednisolone for 3 weeks. After clearance of the CMV infection by using ganciclovir, the patient was administered two cycles of infliximab to cure UC and bSS; however, he developed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) a month later and died after two cycles of chemotherapy.

Conclusion

Based on this rare case of UC concomitant with CMV infection, bSS and AML, we recommend that it is important to distinguish between an acute UC flare and opportunistic infections, especially in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy, and monitor EIMs and comorbidities timely. Particular attention should be paid to cancer surveillance. Clinicians should be mindful of these facts to adopt optimal therapeutic options to address all aspects of UC. Early initiation of biological therapy may be of benefit to patients with newly diagnosed severe UC.

Tissue quantitative RT-PCR test for diagnostic significance of cytomegalovirus infection in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and treatment response: Cytomegalovirus infection in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is an opportunistic pathogen that exacerbates inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). There are no clear diagnostic criteria for CMV infection in IBD patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the importance of the diagnosis of CMV infection with CMV-DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the colonic mucosa and the response to antiviral treatment. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 30 patients with IBD (24 men, 6 women; median age: 42 years) who were hospitalized because of IBD exacerbation and whose samples were assessed by tissue CMV-DNA PCR positivity. Most of the IBD patients had ulcerative colitis (90%). The CMV-DNA PCR median value was 8848 copies/mL of tissue (range 90-242,936 copies/mL). Blood CMV-DNA PCR was found to be positive in a small group (33.3%, 10/30) of tissue CMV-DNA PCR-positive cases. immunohistochemistry tests were positive in only 5 of the 23 patients positive for CMV-DNA PCR in the colonic mucosa, and high remission (25/30, 83.3%) was detected with antiviral therapy. Recurrence of CMV colitis infection was observed in 9 of 25 patients who had remission with antiviral therapy. The tissue CMV-DNA PCR test was found to be more useful than blood CMV-DNA PCR and immunohistochemistry tests for diagnosing CMV colitis, and the tissue CMV-DNA PCR test enabled rapid and appropriate treatment.

Apoptosis, Crypt Dropout, and Equivocal Immunohistochemical Staining May Indicate Cytomegalovirus Infection in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) colitis superimposed on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can be challenging to diagnose. This study aimed to determine what histologic clues and immunohistochemistry (IHC) utilization practices, if any, can help diagnose CMV superinfection in IBD. Colon biopsies were reviewed from all patients with CMV colitis with and without IBD between 2010 and 2021 at one institution, along with a separate cohort of IBD patients with negative CMV IHC. Biopsies were assessed for histologic features of activity and chronicity, phlebitis, fibrin thrombi, basal crypt apoptosis, CMV viral cytopathic effect (VCE), and CMV IHC positivity. Features between groups were compared, with statistical significance set at P-value <0.05. The study included 251 biopsies from 143 cases (21 CMV-only, 44 CMV+IBD, 78 IBD-only). Compared with the IBD-only group, the CMV+IBD group was more likely to show apoptotic bodies (83% vs. 64%, P=0.035) and crypt dropout (75% vs. 55%, P=0.045). CMV was detected by IHC in 18 CMV+IBD cases without VCE on hematoxylin and eosin (41%). In the 23 CMV+IBD cases where IHC was performed on all concurrent biopsies, IHC was positive in at least 1 biopsy in 22 cases. Six individual CMV+IBD biopsies with no VCE on hematoxylin and eosin demonstrated equivocal IHC staining. Of these, 5 had evidence of CMV infection. IBD patients with superimposed CMV infection are more likely to demonstrate apoptotic bodies and crypt dropout compared with their noninfected counterparts. Equivocal IHC staining for CMV may indicate true infection in IBD patients, and staining multiple biopsies from the same accession can improve CMV detection.

Cytomegalovirus reactivation in ulcerative colitis patients: Early indicators

Background

The association of.

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ytomegalovirus (CMV) infection with ulcerative colitis (UC) still remains a controversial topic for the clinicians. Aim: In this study, we aimed to elucidate the CMV infection related parameters in the exacerbation of UC.

Material and Methods

In this study, 812 UC patients who have admitted to our institution between June 2008 and November 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. CMV infection was diagnosed by the detection of CMV DNA with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in tissue biopsies with presence of clinical colitis symptoms. CMV negative UC patient group was defined as UC activation group with negative PCR results.

Result

A total of 153 patients met the inclusion criteria during the study period, with a median age of 41.8 years. CMV PCR positivity had been detected in tissue biopsy in 43 (28.1%) UC patients. CMV-positive patients had a statistically significant higher frequency of steroid resistance, treatment with azathioprine, longer disease duration, longer remission, and hospitalization day. The mean C-reactive protein (CRP) level, platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were higher, and mean albumin level was lower in CMV positive patients, with statistically significance. Also, colectomy and anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) therapy were more frequent in CMV-reactivated group in long-term follow-up. In a multivariable model, steroid resistance, treatment with azathioprine, long disease duration, low albumin value was independently associated with colonic CMV infection.

Conclusion

Steroid resistance, treatment with azathioprine, long disease duration, low albumin levels were significant risk factors for CMV colitis, among patients with UC activation.

Protective role of flavonoids quercetin and silymarin in the viral-associated inflammatory bowel disease: an updated review

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic recurrent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). IBD patients are susceptible to various infections such as viral infections due to the long-term consumption of immunosuppressive drugs and biologics. The antiviral and IBD protective traits of flavonoids have not been entirely investigated. This study objective included an overview of the protective role of flavonoids quercetin and silymarin in viral-associated IBD. Several viral agents such as cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), varicella zoster virus (VZV) and enteric viruses can be reactivated and thus develop or exacerbate the IBD conditions or eventually facilitate the disease remission. Flavonoids such as quercetin and silymarin are non-toxic and safe bioactive compounds with remarkable anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral effects. Mechanisms of anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects of silymarin and quercetin mainly include immune modulation and inhibition of caspase enzymes, viral binding and replication, RNA synthesis, viral proteases and viral assembly. In the nutraceutical sector, natural flavonoids low bioavailability and solubility necessitate the application of delivery systems to enhance their efficacy. This review study provided an updated understanding of the protective role of quercetin and silymarin against viral-associated IBD.

Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis: Optimal Strategies for Drug Therapy

Acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) is a life-threatening medical emergency with considerable morbidity (30% to 40%). Patients with ASUC require hospitalization for prompt medical treatment, and colectomy is considered if medical therapy fails. Corticosteroids remain the primary initial therapy, although one-third of patients do not respond to treatment. Clinical data have indicated that cyclosporine, tacrolimus, and infliximab can be used to treat patients with ASUC who do not respond to intravenous corticosteroids. The effectiveness and safety of sequential therapy have recently been reported; however, the data are not convincing. Importantly, timely decision-making with rescue therapy or surgical treatment is critical to manage ASUC without compromising the health or safety of the patients. In addition, risk stratification and the use of predictive clinical parameters have improved the clinical outcome.of ASUC. Multidisciplinary teams that include inflammatory bowel disease experts, colorectal surgeons, and other medical staff contribute to the better management of patients with ASUC. In this review, we introduce current evidence and present a clinical approach to manage ASUC.

Mimics of Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect any portion of the gastrointestinal tract. Associated symptoms can vary based on the severity of disease, extent of involvement, presence of extraintestinal manifestations, and development of complications. Diagnosis is based on a constellation of findings. Many diseases can mimic Crohn's disease and lead to diagnostic conundrums. These include entities associated with the gastrointestinal luminal tract, vascular disease, autoimmune processes, various infections, malignancies and complications, drug- or treatment-induced conditions, and genetic diseases. Careful consideration of possible causes is necessary to establish the correct diagnosis.

Cytomegalovirus in ulcerative colitis: an evidence-based approach to diagnosis and treatment

INTRODUCTION

The detection of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in the setting of inflammatory bowel disease often creates confusion whether CMV is a 'bystander' or 'disease.'

AREAS COVERED

This review discusses the clinical conundrum of CMV in ulcerative colitis, approach to discriminate infection from disease, and therapeutic considerations (immunosuppressive and anti-CMV treatment). CMV disease should be considered in corticosteroid refractory- dependent and thiopurine refractory disease. Endoscopy may reveal deep punched out ulcers, irregular ulcers, or cobble-stoning. The diagnosis rests on the presence and abundance of viral inclusion bodies on hematoxylin and eosin stain, positive immunohistochemistry, and/or positive tissue polymerase chain reaction. CMV disease is associated with worse outcomes including increased colectomy rates.

EXPERT OPINION

The timing and duration of antiviral drugs in CMV disease is debatable but depends on the load of CMV in tissue. In high-grade infection, CMV needs to be treated while increasing immunosuppression may work in the setting of low-grade infection. Ganciclovir is the drug of choice for treatment of CMV disease. Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors may be useful for treating underlying disease activity in the setting of CMV. Other emerging therapies include fecal microbiota transplantation. Randomized studies are necessary to define the best timing and duration of anti-CMV therapy.

Risk Factors of Cytomegalovirus Reactivation in Ulcerative Colitis Patients: A Meta-Analysis

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is associated with exacerbation of disease activity in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). However, the risk factors for CMV reactivation in this population remain debatable. This meta-analysis was performed to identify the risk factors for CMV reactivation in UC patients. PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched from the inception of these databases to 31 August 2021, with the aim of identifying studies that investigated the risk factors of CMV reactivation in UC patients. A quality assessment of the included studies was performed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The publication bias was assessed respectively via a funnel plot and Egger’s regression asymmetry test. The robustness and reliability of each outcome were evaluated by sensitivity analysis. Twenty studies were included in the final meta-analysis, comprising a total of 2099 patients with UC. A significantly higher risk of CMV reactivation was observed in patients with severe UC (OR = 1.465, 95% CI: 1.107 to 1.939, p = 0.008), pancolitis (OR = 2.108, 95% CI: 1.586 to 2.800, p = 0.0001), older age of UC onset (MD = 6.212, 95% CI: 2.552 to 9.971, p = 0.001), as well as use of glucocorticoids (OR = 4.175, 95% CI: 3.076 to 5.666, p = 0.001), immunosuppressants (OR = 1.795, 95% CI: 1.289 to 2.501, p = 0.001), and azathioprine (OR = 1.444, 95% CI: 1.012 to 2.061, p = 0.043). However, infliximab treatment was observed not to increase the occurrence of CMV reactivation in patients who suffered from UC. In contrast, 5-aminosalicylic acid (OR = 0.674, 95% CI: 0.492 to 0.924, p = 0.014) was associated with a lower risk of CMV reactivation. Patients with UC should be closely monitored for risk factors of CMV reactivation in order to provide timely diagnosis and antiviral treatment.

CMV pneumonitis in a patient with Crohn's disease taking azathioprine

This case report discusses the rare presentation of cytomegalovirus (CMV) pneumonitis in a young patient with moderately severe Crohn's disease managed with low dose azathioprine. CMV pneumonitis was initially suspected on CT chest images and confirmed by PCR for CMV. She was treated with intravenous ganciclovir and later stepped down to oral valganciclovir. Although this patient had a prolonged and complicated hospital admission, a good clinical outcome was achieved. CMV infection was raised as an early differential and antiviral treatment was started without delay. This case study, therefore, makes the case for increased awareness of the possibility of, and recognition of CMV pneumonitis among healthcare professionals as a way of preventing significant morbidity and mortality. It also raises awareness of checking for slow metabolisers of azathioprine before initiation to look for individuals who may be at increased risk of azathioprine's adverse effects.

Cytapheresis re-induces high-rate steroid-free remission in patients with steroid-dependent and steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND

It is a crucial issue for patients with refractory ulcerative colitis (UC), including steroid-dependent and steroid-refractory patients, to achieve and maintain steroid-free remission. However, clinical studies focused on the achievement of steroid-free remission in refractory UC patients are insufficient. Cytapheresis (CAP) is a non-pharmacological extracorporeal therapy that is effective for active UC with fewer adverse effects. This study comprised UC patients treated with CAP and suggested the efficacy of CAP for refractory UC patients.

AIM

To clarify the efficacy of CAP in achieving steroid-free remission in refractory UC patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the collected data from 55 patients with refractory UC treated with CAP. We analyzed the following points: (1) Efficacy of the first course of CAP; (2) Efficacy of the second, third, and fourth courses of CAP in patients who experienced relapses during the observation period; (3) Efficacy of CAP in colonic mucosa; and (4) Long-term efficacy of CAP. Clinical efficacy was evaluated using Lichtiger’s clinical activity index or Sutherland index (disease activity index). Mucosal healing was evaluated using Mayo endoscopic subscore. The primary and secondary endpoints were the rate of achievement of steroid-free remission and the rate of sustained steroid-free remission, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using the paired t-test and chi-squared test.

RESULTS

The rates of clinical remission, steroid-free remission, and poor effectiveness after CAP were 69.1%, 45.5%, and 30.9%, respectively. There were no significant differences in rate of steroid-free remission between patients with steroid-dependent and steroid-refractory UC. The mean disease activity index and Lichtiger’s clinical activity index scores were significantly decreased after CAP (P < 0.0001). The rates of steroid-free remission after the second, third, and fourth courses of CAP in patients who achieved steroid-free remission after the first course of CAP were 83.3%, 83.3%, and 60%, respectively. Mucosal healing was observed in all patients who achieved steroid-free remission after the first course of CAP. The rates of sustained steroid-free remission were 68.0%, 60.0%, and 56.0% at 12, 24, and 36 mo after the CAP. Nine patients (36%) had maintained steroid-free remission throughout the observation period.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that CAP effectively induces and maintains steroid-free remission in refractory UC and re-induces steroid-free remission in patients achieving steroid-free remission after the first course of CAP.

How to manage: acute severe colitis

Acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) is a medical emergency which is associated with significant morbidity and a mortality rate of 1%. ASUC requires prompt recognition and treatment. Optimal management includes admission to a specialist gastrointestinal unit and joint management with colorectal surgeons. Patients need to be screened for concomitant infections and thromboprophylaxis should be administered to mitigate against the elevated risk of thromboembolism. Corticosteroids are still the preferred initial medical therapy but approximately 30%-40% of patients fail steroid therapy and require rescue medical therapy with either infliximab or cyclosporine. Emergency colectomy is required in a timely manner for patients who fail rescue medical therapy to minimise the risk of adverse post-operative outcomes. We discuss current and emerging evidence in the management of ASUC and outline management approaches for clinicians involved in managing ASUC.

Indeterminate Colitis - Update on Treatment Options

Indeterminate colitis (IC) is described in approximately 5-15% of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It usually reflects a difficulty or lack of clarity in distinguishing between ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) on biopsy or colectomy specimens. The diagnostic difficulty may explain the variability in the reported prevalence and incidence of IC. Clinically, most IC patients tend to evolve over time to a definite diagnosis of either UC or CD. IC has also been interchangeably described as inflammatory bowel disease unclassified (IBDU). This review offers an overview of the available limited literature on the conventional medical and surgical treatments for IC. In contrast to the numerous studies on the medical management of UC and CD, there are very few data from dedicated controlled trials on the treatment of IC. The natural evolution of IC more closely mimics UC. Regarding medical options for treatment, most patients diagnosed with IC are treated similarly to UC, and treatment choices are based on disease severity. Others are managed similarly to CD if there are features suggestive of CD, including fissures, skin tags, or rectal sparing. In medically refractory IC, surgical treatment options are limited and include total proctocolectomy (TPC) and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA), with its associated risk factors and complications. Post-surgical complications and pouch failure rates were historically thought to be more common in IC patients, but recent meta-analyses reveal similar rates between UC and IC patients. Future therapies in IBD are focused on known mechanisms in the disease pathways of UC and CD. Owing to the lack of IC-specific studies, clinicians have traditionally and historically extrapolated the data to IC patients based on their symptomatology, clinical course, and endoscopic findings.

First United Arab Emirates consensus on diagnosis and management of inflammatory bowel diseases: A 2020 Delphi consensus

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are the main entities of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by chronic remittent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The incidence and prevalence are on the rise worldwide, and the heterogeneity between patients and within individuals over time is striking. The progressive advance in our understanding of the etiopathogenesis coupled with an unprecedented increase in therapeutic options have changed the management towards evidence-based interventions by clinicians with patients. This guideline was stimulated and supported by the Emirates Gastroenterology and Hepatology Society following a systematic review and a Delphi consensus process that provided evidence- and expert opinion-based recommendations. Comprehensive up-to-date guidance is provided regarding diagnosis, evaluation of disease severity, appropriate and timely use of different investigations, choice of appropriate therapy for induction and remission phase according to disease severity, and management of main complications.

Ulcerative Colitis and Cytomegalovirus Infection: From A to Z

Despite multiple studies, the role of cytomegalovirus [CMV] infection in exacerbating the severity of inflammation in ulcerative colitis [UC], and its response to treatment, remain debatable. Additionally, the optimal diagnostic tests for CMV infection in the setting of UC relapse, and timing of antiviral treatment initiation, remain unclear. The challenge faced by gastroenterologists is to differentiate between an acute UC flare and true CMV colitis. It seems that the presence of CMV colitis, as defined by the presence of intranuclear or intracellular inclusion bodies on haematoxylin and eosin [H&E] staining and/or positive immunohistochemistry [IHC] assay on histology, is associated with more severe colitis. Patients with CMV infection and acute severe colitis are more resistant to treatment with corticosteroids than non-infected patients. This refractoriness to steroids is related to colonic tissue CMV viral load and number of inclusion bodies [high-grade CMV infection] which may have a pronounced effect on clinical outcomes and colectomy rates. Whereas many studies showed no effect for antiviral treatment on colectomy rates in CMV-infected UC patients, there was a significant difference in colectomy rates of patients with high-grade infection who received anti-viral therapy compared with those who did not receive treatment. It was therefore proposed that high-grade CMV disease indicates that the virus is acting as a pathogen, whereas in those with low-grade CMV disease, the severity of IBD itself is more likely to influence outcome. The different algorithms that have been put forward for the management of patients with UC and concomitant CMV infection are discussed.

Cytomegalovirus and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) with a Special Focus on the Link with Ulcerative Colitis (UC)

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infects approximately 40% of adults in France and persists lifelong as a latent agent in different organs, including gut. A close relationship is observed between inflammation that favors viral expression and viral replication that exacerbates inflammation. In this context, CMV colitis may impact the prognosis of patients suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), and notably those with ulcerative colitis (UC). In UC, the mucosal inflammation and T helper cell (T_H) 2 cytokines, together with immunomodulatory drugs used for controlling flare-ups, favor viral reactivation within the gut, which, in turn, increases mucosal inflammation, impairs corticoid and immunosuppressor efficacy (the probability of steroid resistance is multiplied by more than 20 in the case of CMV colitis), and enhances the risk for colectomy. This review emphasizes the virological tools that are recommended for exploring CMV colitis during inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and underlines the interest of using ganciclovir for treating flare-ups associated to CMV colitis in UC patients.

Cytomegalovirus infection is associated with worse outcomes in inflammatory bowel disease hospitalizations nationwide

BACKGROUND

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection may complicate ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease (CD) hospitalizations. Studies examining this relationship are often single-center examining short time periods.

AIMS

To quantify the prevalence of CMV and its impact on outcomes among UC and CD hospitalizations over time using nationwide administrative databases.

METHODS

The National Inpatient Sample and Nationwide Readmissions Database were analyzed to calculate CMV prevalence per 1000 UC and CD hospitalizations between 1998 and 2014. Univariable and multivariable logistic and linear regression were used to assess CMV's association with outcomes. Separate analyses examined effects from the introduction of anti-TNF therapy in UC in 2005, CD anatomic extent, and Clostridioides difficile infection.

RESULTS

Among UC, from 1998 to 2014, the prevalence of CMV infection rose from 1.4 to 6.3 per 1000 UC hospitalizations (p < 0.001), although this increase was not statistically significant for the years 2006 to 2014 (p = 0.07). Among CD, prevalence rose from 0.3 to 1.8 per 1000 CD hospitalizations (p < 0.001) from 1998 to 2014. CMV was independently associated with increased inpatient mortality (UC: odds ratio (OR) 2.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2-4.5; CD: OR 4.6, CI 1.5-13.7), colectomy in UC (OR 2.5, CI 1.9-3.3), and higher length of stay and costs.

CONCLUSION

CMV infection's prevalence among UC and CD hospitalizations is rising over time, but may have slowed after 2005 in UC. CMV is independently associated with increased inpatient mortality, length of stay, and hospital charges in UC and CD and with colectomy in UC.

Opportunistic Infections Are More Prevalent in Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis: A Large Population-Based Study

BACKGROUND

Opportunistic infections (OIs) are more common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); however, there have been limited large-scale studies of OIs in IBD. We investigated the epidemiological characteristics of OI in Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) using a large population-based database.

METHODS

Data were collected from a commercial database (Explorys Inc., Cleveland, OH, USA) that provided electronic health records from 26 major integrated US health care systems from 1999 to March 2018. In this data set, we identified all CD and UC patients, based on Systemized Nomenclature of Medicine-Clinical Terms. Within these cohorts, we identified a variety of OIs and compared the prevalence rate of OI in individuals with IBD with that of controls (patients in the database between March 2013 and March 2018 without the diagnosis of IBD).

RESULTS

Explorys included 153,290 patients with CD and 128,540 patients with UC between March 2013 and March 2018. The prevalence of OIs was 17.8% in CD, 19.2% in UC, and 7% in non-IBD controls. When compared with non-IBD controls, all OIs were more common in CD (prevalence ratio [PR], 2.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.51-2.57) and UC (PR, 2.74; 95% CI, 2.71-2.77). Overall, viral infections were numerically more common, whereas bacterial infections had the highest PRs in CD and UC when compared with controls without IBD.

CONCLUSIONS

We found significantly higher rates of OI in IBD. Our study suggests the need for close follow-up of IBD patients to diagnose and provide vaccinations where applicable for prevention of infections.

British Society of Gastroenterology consensus guidelines on the management of inflammatory bowel disease in adults

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are the principal forms of inflammatory bowel disease. Both represent chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, which displays heterogeneity in inflammatory and symptomatic burden between patients and within individuals over time. Optimal management relies on understanding and tailoring evidence-based interventions by clinicians in partnership with patients. This guideline for management of inflammatory bowel disease in adults over 16 years of age was developed by Stakeholders representing UK physicians (British Society of Gastroenterology), surgeons (Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland), specialist nurses (Royal College of Nursing), paediatricians (British Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition), dietitians (British Dietetic Association), radiologists (British Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology), general practitioners (Primary Care Society for Gastroenterology) and patients (Crohn's and Colitis UK). A systematic review of 88 247 publications and a Delphi consensus process involving 81 multidisciplinary clinicians and patients was undertaken to develop 168 evidence- and expert opinion-based recommendations for pharmacological, non-pharmacological and surgical interventions, as well as optimal service delivery in the management of both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Comprehensive up-to-date guidance is provided regarding indications for, initiation and monitoring of immunosuppressive therapies, nutrition interventions, pre-, peri- and postoperative management, as well as structure and function of the multidisciplinary team and integration between primary and secondary care. Twenty research priorities to inform future clinical management are presented, alongside objective measurement of priority importance, determined by 2379 electronic survey responses from individuals living with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, including patients, their families and friends.

British Society of Gastroenterology consensus guidelines on the management of inflammatory bowel disease in adults

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are the principal forms of inflammatory bowel disease. Both represent chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, which displays heterogeneity in inflammatory and symptomatic burden between patients and within individuals over time. Optimal management relies on understanding and tailoring evidence-based interventions by clinicians in partnership with patients. This guideline for management of inflammatory bowel disease in adults over 16 years of age was developed by Stakeholders representing UK physicians (British Society of Gastroenterology), surgeons (Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland), specialist nurses (Royal College of Nursing), paediatricians (British Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition), dietitians (British Dietetic Association), radiologists (British Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology), general practitioners (Primary Care Society for Gastroenterology) and patients (Crohn's and Colitis UK). A systematic review of 88 247 publications and a Delphi consensus process involving 81 multidisciplinary clinicians and patients was undertaken to develop 168 evidence- and expert opinion-based recommendations for pharmacological, non-pharmacological and surgical interventions, as well as optimal service delivery in the management of both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Comprehensive up-to-date guidance is provided regarding indications for, initiation and monitoring of immunosuppressive therapies, nutrition interventions, pre-, peri- and postoperative management, as well as structure and function of the multidisciplinary team and integration between primary and secondary care. Twenty research priorities to inform future clinical management are presented, alongside objective measurement of priority importance, determined by 2379 electronic survey responses from individuals living with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, including patients, their families and friends.

Cytomegalovirus reactivation in inflammatory bowel disease: an uncommon occurrence related to corticosteroid dependence

Cytomegalovirus promotes mucosal injury in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, historically affecting 10-25% of ulcerative colitis patients with refractory disease. Viral reactivation is likely related to long-term corticosteroid therapy, which is no longer central to maintenance of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. We hypothesize that viral detection rates have decreased in the modern era, reflecting widespread use of immunomodulatory agents to control inflammation. We performed this study to evaluate the relationships between medical regimens and cytomegalovirus detection rates among patients with inflammatory bowel disease. We searched our database for all patients with established inflammatory bowel disease and severe flares diagnosed from 2002 to 2017. Patients maintained with corticosteroid therapy were considered to be corticosteroid-dependent and those treated with other agents were classified as corticosteroid-independent, provided they had not received corticosteroids within 6 months of colonoscopy. Biopsy samples were reviewed for viral inclusions and subjected to cytomegalovirus immunohistochemistry, and rates of viral detection were compared between groups. There were 135 corticosteroid-dependent patients; most had ulcerative colitis flares occurring during the 2002-2009 period. Patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn disease were equally represented in the corticosteroid-independent group (n = 133) and most were evaluated for disease flares during the 2010-2017 interval. Cytomegalovirus was detected in 13 (8%) cases; 9 (69%) were diagnosed from 2002 to 2009 and all were obtained from corticosteroid-dependent patients (p = < 0.001). We conclude that rates of cytomegalovirus-related enterocolitis are declining among inflammatory bowel disease patients, reflecting a shift away from corticosteroid-based maintenance therapy in favor of more effective agents that do not promote viral reactivation.

ACG Clinical Guideline: Ulcerative Colitis in Adults

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an idiopathic inflammatory disorder. These guidelines indicate the preferred approach to the management of adults with UC and represent the official practice recommendations of the American College of Gastroenterology. The scientific evidence for these guidelines was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) process. In instances where the evidence was not appropriate for GRADE, but there was consensus of significant clinical merit, "key concept" statements were developed using expert consensus. These guidelines are meant to be broadly applicable and should be viewed as the preferred, but not only, approach to clinical scenarios.

Diagnosis and Management of CMV Colitis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) colitis is a relatively common end-organ infectious complication in immunocompromised hosts which negatively affects clinical outcomes. This paper presents the contemporary approaches to the diagnosis and management of CMV colitis and discusses some of the controversies of this condition, focusing on methods of diagnosis.

RECENT FINDINGS

While certain risk factors for CMV colitis are well recognized, the clinical as well as endoscopic features of this condition are nonspecific. Rapid diagnosis and management are usually needed, especially in critically ill patients, which necessitate invasive diagnostic procedures. Hematoxylin and eosin staining of colonic mucosal tissue may show the typical viral inclusions associated with CMV colitis that are highly specific for this condition. However, the staining has low sensitivity compared to immunohistochemistry, which is considered the gold standard for diagnosis of CMV colitis. Tissue polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is highly sensitive for diagnosis, but is controversial for many reasons, detailed in this paper. A high index of suspicion is needed, and once diagnosis is made, treatment should be highly considered to improve the outcome of these severely ill patients. Noninvasive diagnostic tests will be available in the future and will hopefully improve the diagnosis and care of patients with CMV colitis.

Accuracy of diagnostic tests and a new algorithm for diagnosing cytomegalovirus colitis in inflammatory bowel diseases: a diagnostic study

PURPOSE

The optimal method for detecting CMV colitis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has not been established. We wanted to investigate which diagnostic test would be most accurate when defining CMV colitis rather by the further clinical course than by using another diagnostic modality.

METHODS

All consecutive patients with moderately or severely active IBD who had been tested for CMV by PCR, histology, or antigenemia assay at the two campuses CBF and CCM of the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin between September 2006 and September 2009 were included in this retrospective study. During that time, in patients with a positive CMV test, immunosuppressive treatment of any kind was immediately reduced and antiviral treatment was started. This allowed identifying patients who responded to antiviral treatment and those who only responded to later escalation of immunosuppressive therapy.

RESULTS

One hundred and nine patients were identified, out of whom nine were considered to have clinically relevant CMV colitis. Sensitivity and specificity were 1 and 0.94 for CMV PCR and 0.5 and 1 for pp65 antigen immunofluorescence assay from peripheral blood, 0.67 and 0.98 for immunohistochemistry, and 0.17 and 0.98 for hematoxylin-eosin staining. When using absence of leukocytosis, splenomegaly, and steroid refractory disease as clinical parameters to test for CMV colitis, blood CMV PCR and immunohistochemistry were able to exclude CMV colitis in negative patients with a 75% likelihood of positive patients to have clinically relevant CMV colitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Blood-based CMV PCR together with simple clinical parameters can exclude clinically relevant CMV colitis at a high specificity.

Cytomegalovirus colitis in inflammatory bowel disease and after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation: diagnostic accuracy, predictors, risk factors and disease outcome

BACKGROUND

Concurrent cytomegalovirus (CMV) colitis in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an important clinical entity associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality.

METHODS

A retrospective study of 47 patients with IBD and 61 HSCT patients was performed regarding the evaluation of diagnostic accuracy of applied methods, predictors, risk factors for CMV disease manifestation, the proportion of patients with antiviral treatment and disease outcome.

RESULTS

The sensitivity of quantitative PCR (qPCR) with a cut-off value of >250 copies/mg for CMV colitis in patients with IBD and HSCT patients was 79% and 92%, respectively. Predictors for CMV colitis in the IBD cohort were anaemia and the presence of endoscopic ulcers. Glucocorticoids, calcineurin inhibitors and >2 concurrent lines of treatment with immunosuppressive drugs could be identified as risk factors for CMV colitis in the IBD cohort with an OR of 7.1 (95% CI 1.7 to 29.9), 21.3 (95% CI 2.4 to 188.7) and 13.4 (95% CI 3.2 to 56.1), respectively. Predictors and risk factors for CMV gastroenteritis in the HSCT cohort was the presence of endoscopic ulcers (OR 18.6, 95% CI 3.3 to 103.7) and >2 concurrent lines of treatment with immunosuppressive drugs. Antiviral therapy was administered in 70% of patients with IBD and 77% of HSCT patients with CMV disease. 71% of antiviral-treated patients with IBD showed an improvement of their disease activity and 14% underwent colectomy. The mortality rate of HSCT patients was 21% irrespective of their CMV status.

CONCLUSIONS

In addition to the implementation of histological methods, qPCR may be performed in patients with suspected high-risk IBD and HSCT patients for CMV colitis. Independent validations of these results in further prospective studies are needed.

Cytomegalovirus infection associated with inflammatory bowel disease

Refractory colitis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease is a complicated clinical disorder that might, in some patients, even necessitate surgery. Hence the diagnosis of additional complications is of utmost importance. Colitis mediated by cytomegalovirus is one such complication. The high seroprevalence and latent nature of cytomegalovirus, with the possibility of viral replication without mediating disease, poses a real challenge for the diagnosis of cytomegalovirus-mediated colitis. The challenge in daily clinical practice is to distinguish cytomegalovirus replication from cytomegalovirus-mediated colitis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease who have refractory colitis. This Review discusses the scientific literature and provides a diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm for clinical practice.

Detection of Cytomegalovirus in Colonic Mucosa of Children With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Inflammatory Bowel Disease

OBJECTIVES

Although it has been recommended to perform sigmoidoscopy to screen for cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation in acute severe colitis, the frequency of CMV reactivation in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and management of CMV detection in colonic mucosa of children with IBD.

METHODS

In a retrospective study, consecutive IBD patients, <17 years old, with moderate to severe colitis who had sigmoid biopsy specimens evaluated for CMV by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were included.

RESULTS

A total of 90 sigmoid biopsies were collected from 67 patient encounters from 58 patients with colitis: 61 patient encounters (91%) with UC/IBD-U including biopsy samples from colectomy specimens of eight patients who had colectomy during the study period. Medication exposure included corticosteroids for 40 (69%) patients, and immunosuppressive agents for 31 (53.4%) patients. Four of 61 patient encounters (6.6%) with UC/IBD-U, two with corticosteroid refractory disease, had positive biopsies for CMV by PCR but negative H&E and IHC. They responded to escalated medical therapy, without needing anti-viral therapy, and none required colectomy over a median duration of follow up of 1.1 year (IQR 1-1.6).

CONCLUSIONS

CMV presence is uncommon in colonic mucosa of children with IBD. Studies examining the underlying sero-prevalence of CMV and its role of reactivation of colitis are required to determine if the current recommendation for routine sigmoidoscopy to exclude CMV infection in corticosteroid-refractory acute severe colitis is justified.

Diagnosis of Cytomegalovirus Infection during Exacerbation of Ulcerative Colitis

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The role of cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation during exacerbations of ulcerative colitis (UC) is yet a matter of debate, and assessment of CMV infection in UC patients remains an ongoing challenge. We aimed to identify associated parameters and compare detection methods for CMV infection during UC exacerbation.

METHODS

Clinical, pathological and virological parameters were retrospectively analyzed in all patients hospitalized in our institution for UC exacerbation between January 2009 and April 2015, who underwent full evaluation for CMV infection in colonic tissue by histopathology, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and CMV-PCR.

RESULTS

Of 28 patients who underwent full examination for tissue CMV-infection, 13 (46.4%) were found to be positive for CMV. Tissue CMV-PCR was more sensitive for the detection of CMV infection than histopathology and IHC. CMV-positive patients had a statistically higher frequency of recent steroid treatment and fever, with higher mean partial Mayo scores and lower mean albumin levels. There were no significant differences between CMV-positive and CMV-negative patients in terms of age, severity of colitis and disease duration. In a multivariable model, only recent steroid treatment and fever were independently associated with colonic CMV infection.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides a clinical model to detect the presence of CMV infection in patients hospitalized with UC exacerbation, which could direct proper investigation and facilitate timely empirical therapy.

Protracted severe systemic cytomegalovirus disease in an immunosuppressed patient with ulcerative colitis

A 33-year-old man with ulcerative colitis presented with 5-day history of fever, night sweats, abdominal pain and increased stool frequency. He was on mesalazine M/R 1 g once daily, 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) 75 mg once daily and prednisolone 40 mg once daily. Examination revealed fever and tachycardia. Blood examinations identified a persistent leucopenia, C reactive protein of 23 mg/L and an initial alanine transaminase of 855 IU/L. Flexible sigmoidoscopy revealed well-demarcated, punched-out ulcers in the proximal rectum and distal sigmoid, with histology pathognomonic of cytomegalovirus (CMV). CMV DNA PCR was 51 140 copies/mL. Despite prompt withdrawal of 6-MP, steroids and initiation of intravenous ganciclovir on day 2 of admission, his systemic illness, diarrhoea and fever persisted until day 19 of antiviral therapy. Other copathogens and lymphoma were ruled out on serology and CT scan, respectively. After an unusually prolonged course of antiviral therapy, the patient made a full clinical recovery, bloods normalised and there were two consecutive undetectable CMV DNA PCRs.

CMV Infection in Pediatric IBD

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are predisposed to infections. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) colitis in adult IBD patients, particularly ulcerative colitis (UC), is related to severe or steroid-refractory disease. The aim of this review is to summarize the data on the prevalence and role of CMV colitis in children with IBD.

RECENT FINDINGS

Data on CMV colitis in children continue to be very limited due to its rarity. As in adults, children with coexisting UC and CMV tend to have more severe colitis, are resistant to corticosteroids, and are at high risk for colectomies on short- and long-term follow-up. In children, as in adults, the significance of CMV colitis, in terms of whether CMV is a pathogen that aggravates acute severe colitis or simply reflects disease severity, is still unknown.

Approach to cytomegalovirus infections in patients with ulcerative colitis

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation is common in patients with severe ulcerative colitis (UC), and may ref lect exacerbation of mucosal inf lammation and/or administration of immunosuppressants. The question of whether CMV is an active pathogen or 'an innocent bystander' in the exacerbation of UC remains controversial. Patients with UC exacerbated by reactivated CMV experience worse prognoses than those without CMV reactivation and antiviral therapy significantly reduces the need for colectomy in patients with severe UC and high-grade CMV infection, indicating that CMV plays a role in UC prognosis. Therefore, the CMV status of patients on immunosuppressants, particularly those with steroid-refractory or -dependent UC, should be tested. When CMV is detected, be performed based on should adequate treatment the extent of the viral load and the presence of certain clinical features including a large ulcer. Anti-tumor necrosis factor agents may be useful for treating CMV colitis complicating UC.

Corticosteroids and Thiopurines, But Not Tumor Necrosis Factor Antagonists, are Associated With Cytomegalovirus Reactivation in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

The association between cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation and individual immunosuppressive agents in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has not been clearly defined. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess this association.

METHODS

Multiple electronic databases were searched systematically through July 2015 for observational studies reporting CMV reactivation (based on serum-based or tissue-based tests) in IBD patients stratified by medication exposure. We estimated summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using random-effects model. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale.

RESULTS

Sixteen observational studies were identified. As compared with nonexposed patients, exposure to corticosteroids (CS) (12 studies, 1180 patients, 52.3% exposed; OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.40-2.99) and thiopurines (14 studies, 1273 patients, 24.1% exposed; OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.01-2.39) was associated with increased risk of CMV reactivation. In contrast, as compared with patients not exposed to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists, exposure to TNF antagonists was not associated with an increased risk of CMV reactivation (7 studies, 818 patients, 18.5% exposed; OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 0.93-2.24). The results remained stable for CS and thiopurines when the analysis was limited to hospitalized patients, and by a tissue-based diagnosis. Studies were limited in the ability to assess the impact of concomitant immunosuppressive therapy, duration of medication exposure, and disease severity.

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of 16 observational studies, exposure to CS or thiopurines, but not TNF antagonists, was associated with an increased risk of CMV reactivation in IBD patients.

PCR detection of human herpesviruses in colonic mucosa of individuals with inflammatory bowel disease: Comparison with individuals with immunocompetency and HIV infection

BACKGROUND

Detection of human herpesviruses (HHVs) other than cytomegalovirus (CMV) in colonic mucosa of individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains unknown. This study identified eight HHVs in the colonic mucosa of individuals with IBD and compared the results with immunocompetent and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals.

METHODS

A total of 89 individuals who had colorectal ulcer on colonoscopy were enrolled: 26 with immunocompetency (n = 26), 41 with IBD, and 22 with HIV infection. We examined the colonic ulcers for the presence of eight HHVs-herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1/2, varicella zoster virus (VZV), CMV, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), HHV-6, HHV-7, and HHV-8-using mucosal PCR.

RESULTS

The IBD group had positivity rates of 0%, 0%, 0%, 53.7%, 24.4%, 39%, 39%, and 0% for HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV, EBV, CMV, HHV-6, HHV-7, and HHV-8, respectively. The positivity rates of EBV and CMV in colonic mucosa increased significantly in the order of the immunocompetent, IBD, and HIV groups (EBV: 23.1%, 53.7%, 72.7%, P for trend = 0.0005; CMV, 7.7%, 24.4%, 54.5%, P for trend = 0.0003, respectively), but no increase was found in the other HHVs. Median mucosal EBV DNA values in the immunocompetent, IBD, and HIV groups were 0, 76, and 287 copies/μg DNA, respectively (P for trend = 0.002). Corresponding median mucosal CMV DNA values were 0, 0, and 17 copies/μg DNA (P for trend = 0.0001). There was no significant difference in the positivity rates of the eight HHVs between ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

CONCLUSION

The HHVs of EBV, CMV, HHV-6, and HHV-7, but not of HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV, or HHV-8, were identified in the colonic mucosa of IBD individuals. EBV and CMV in colonic mucosa was correlated with host immune status in increasing order of immunocompetent, IBD, and HIV-infected individuals.

Endoscopic evaluation in diagnosis and management of inflammatory bowel disease

Endoscopy is a keystone in the management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is the fundamental diagnostic tool for IBD, and can help discern between ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Endoscopic assessment provides an objective end point in clinical trials, and identifies patients in clinical practice who may benefit from treatment escalation and may assist risk stratification in patients seeking to discontinue therapy. Recent advances in endoscopic assessment of patients with IBD include video capsule endoscopy, and chromoendoscopy. Technological advances enable improved visualization and focused biopsy sampling. Endoscopic resection and close surveillance of dysplastic lesions where feasible is recommended instead of prophylactic colectomy.

Toward an Algorithm for the Diagnosis and Management of CMV in Patients with Colitis

INTRODUCTION

Concurrent cytomegalovirus (CMV) in inflammatory bowel disease-related colitis is an important yet complex clinical scenario associated with high rates of colectomy and other morbidity. This review aimed to examine the literature to produce a comprehensive diagnostic and treatment algorithm for the management of CMV in patients with colitis.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was conducted via PubMed/Medline databases until August 31, 2015, using multiple keywords in English language and where original data only presented.

RESULTS

This review discusses the concept of CMV reactivation which frequently occurs in inflammatory bowel disease-related colitis, most commonly in those presenting with steroid-refractory colitis. In this context, although signifying a poorer prognosis, in most cases, the virus is nonpathogenic and thus antiviral treatment is unhelpful. However, when reactivation gives rise to true CMV disease (colitis) as best discriminated by histology with immunohistochemistry (and the density of such) in colonic biopsy tissue, the patient does benefit from antivirals.

CONCLUSION

Diagnostic-based patient selection and treatment is integral to optimal outcomes in CMV, and therefore we propose an algorithm based on these concepts that now requires prospective evaluation.

Effects of cytomegalovirus infection on the prognosis of inflammatory bowel disease patients

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection on the prognosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Various databases were searched using a combination of keywords associated with CMV infection and IBD. Subsequent to the selection of relevant studies in line with strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, a meta-analysis was conducted using the Stata 12.0 software. A total of 195 studies were initially retrieved, including 28 studies in Chinese and 167 in English. Following the exclusion of unsuitable studies, 7 cohort studies with 374 IBD patients were included in the meta-analysis. The results of the present study identified significant differences between patients with and without CMV infection regarding the disease duration of IBD [standardized mean difference, -0.81; 95% confidence interval (CI), -1.19 to -0.43; P<0.001], the efficacy of corticosteroid therapy [relative risk (RR), 1.24; 95% CI, 1.02-1.49; P=0.029], the colectomy rate (RR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.03-4.40; P=0.042) and the incidence of severe IBD (RR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.04-1.67; P=0.022). Considering the IBD onset area, patients with CMV infection may have higher susceptibility to pancolitis (RR, 1.31; 95% CI; 1.01-1.72; P=0.045); however, no difference in susceptibility to left-sided IBD was observed between patients with or without CMV infection (RR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.72-1.30; P=0.828). In conclusion, CMV infection may be associated with the disease duration, efficacy of corticosteroid therapy, colectomy rate, severe IBD incidence and disease location of IBD; thus, the presence of CMV infection may be considered as an important biomarker for determining the prognosis of IBD.

Increased Rates of Clostridium difficile Infection and Poor Outcomes in Patients with IBD with Cytomegalovirus

BACKGROUND

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) and Cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation are associated with disease exacerbations and poor outcomes in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Therefore, we assessed the association between these organisms in patients with IBD and the impact on colectomy.

METHODS

A retrospective case-control study was conducted to assess CDI prevalence in patients with IBD with a tissue diagnosis of CMV compared with matched IBD controls without CMV from 2005 to 2011. We also assessed the impact of coinfection on colectomy risk for patients coinfected with CMV and CDI compared with IBD patients with CMV alone (CMV controls) or matched IBD patients with CDI alone (CDI controls). Colectomy-free survival was assessed using Kaplan-Meier methods, and statistical significance was determined using Log-rank analysis for unmatched comparisons and by generalized estimating equations in Cox regression for matched comparisons.

RESULTS

CDI was more common in IBD patients with CMV (n = 12/68; 17.6%) than in matched IBD controls (n = 12/144; 8.25%) (P = 0.046). A nonsignificant increase in high-grade disease (5 or more CMV inclusions by immunohistochemistry) was detected in coinfected patients compared with CMV controls (P = 0.15). Colectomy-free survival at 1 year was 30% (95% confidence interval, 12.0-74.7) for coinfected patients and was significantly less compared with 71.5% (95% confidence interval, 58.0-88.2) of CDI controls (P < 0.001) and was numerically less than 57.1% (95% confidence interval, 44.1-74.0) of CMV controls (P = 0.095).

CONCLUSIONS

CDI occurs more frequently in IBD patients with CMV reactivation and is associated with poor outcomes. Patients with IBD with CMV should be tested for CDI and managed aggressively.

Targeting cytomegalovirus during ulcerative colitis flare-ups

Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common cause of opportunistic infection leading to severe and fatal disease in immune-compromised individuals. In inflammatory bowel disease patients, particularly those with ulcerative colitis (UC), CMV is often reactivated because these patients are frequently treated with immunosuppressive agents. Many reports have described the relationship between CMV reactivation and UC exacerbation, however, a therapeutic strategy for CMV infection in UC patients has not been established. Area covered: This review highlights therapeutic strategies for UC patients with CMV infection. Recent findings have suggested a benefit from antiviral therapy in patients with histologically proven CMV colitis and/or a high colonic CMV load as determined by quantitative PCR. Expert commentary: To decide who requires antiviral therapies and when we start antiviral therapies, prospective studies of large numbers of UC patients with CMV infection are needed. However, we should know that the bottom-line therapy for UC patients with CMV infection is to optimally control mucosal inflammation.

Cytomegalovirus Infection in Ulcerative Colitis is Related to Severe Inflammation and a High Count of Cytomegalovirus-positive Cells in Biopsy Is a Risk Factor for Colectomy

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Cytomegalovirus [CMV] infection often reactivates in the course of inflammatory bowel disease, but the significance of this remains disputable. Our aim was to evaluate whether severity of CMV colitis is associated with colectomy risk in ulcerative colitis [UC] patients. The secondary aim was to evaluate agreement between immunohistochemistry [IHC] and blood CMV polymerase chain reaction [PCR].

METHODS

UC patients with CMV assessment of the colon, hospitalised in a referral unit between 2005 and 2012 were retrospectively identified. The course and severity of the disease were analysed, with inflammation graded histologically across the range 0-3. The numbers of CMV IHC-positive cells per biopsy section were counted, and results for blood CMV PCR were also retrieved. Data on colectomies were also collected.

RESULTS

Of 141 patients, 95 were analysed, with 33 found to be CMV IHC-positive and 62 negative. The colectomy risk was significantly higher in patients with ≥ 5 IHC-positive cells, as opposed to those with none or less than 5 [p = 0.014] with median follow-up of 1.9 and 3.2 years, respectively. The CMV IHC-positive patients had lower haemoglobin [median 11.0g/dl vs 12.0; p = 0.028] and albumin [median 29.5g/l vs 33.1; p = 0.038] levels and more intense histological inflammation [p = 0.020] compared with CMV IHC-negative patients. There was substantial agreement between IHC and blood PCR [Cohen's kappa coefficient 0.72].

CONCLUSIONS

Five or more CMV IHC-positive cells per biopsy section were indicative of a greater colectomy risk. CMV infection was related to more severe inflammation. Blood CMV PCR is a useful tool in UC.

Active cytomegalovirus infection diagnosed by real-time PCR in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a prospective, controlled observational study (.)

OBJECTIVE

It is assumed that cytomegaloviral (CMV) infection in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is caused by reactivation due to the immunosuppressive therapy, but the role of CMV as a pathophysiological factor and prognostic marker in IBD is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate CMV infection in IBD, with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemistry, with emphasis on newly diagnosed disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this prospective, controlled study, 67 patients with IBD and 34 control patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or rectal bleeding were included. Serology for CMV was analysed along with CMV DNA in plasma, mucosal biopsies, and faeces. Mucosal biopsies were further analysed with histopathology and CMV immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Detection of CMV IgM was more common in patients with IBD, compared to controls, 21% versus 3%. CMV DNA was found in 16% of patients with newly diagnosed, untreated IBD and in 38% of steroid-treated patients. Four of the five patients that needed urgent surgery were CMV-DNA positive in at least one of three sample types. None of the controls had detectable CMV DNA.

CONCLUSIONS

Active CMV infection was found in high proportions of newly diagnosed untreated patients with IBD, in patients on immunosuppression and in patients in the need of surgery. Low CMV-DNA levels in non-immunosuppressed patients were not a risk factor for the development of more severe IBD, while the detection of CMV DNA in patients on immunosuppressive therapy may foresee disease progression.

How to Diagnose and Treat IBD Mimics in the Refractory IBD Patient Who Does Not Have IBD

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract and includes both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Patients with IBD often present with abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding but may also have a wide variety of other symptoms such as weight loss, fever, nausea, vomiting, and possibly obstruction. Given that the presentation of IBD is not specific, the differential diagnosis is broad and encompasses a wide spectrum of diseases, many of which can mimic and/or even coexist with IBD. It is important for physicians to differentiate symptoms due to refractory IBD from symptoms due to IBD mimics when a patient is not responding to standard IBD treatment. Many of the various IBD mimics include infectious etiologies (viral, bacterial, mycobacterial, fungal, protozoal, and helminthic infections), vascular causes, other immune causes including autoimmune etiologies, drug-induced processes, radiation-induced, and other etiologies such as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, diverticulitis, and bile acid malabsorption. Thoughtful consideration and evaluation of these potential etiologies through patient history and physical examination, as well as appropriate tests, endoscopic evaluation, and cross-sectional imaging is required to evaluate any patient presenting with symptoms consistent with IBD.

Risk Factors and Clinical Outcomes Associated with Cytomegalovirus Colitis in Patients with Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis

BACKGROUND

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) colitis can contribute to an unfavorable outcome of acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of ASUC according to the CMV status and identify risk factors for CMV colitis in patients with ASUC.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed patients with ASUC from 2011 to 2014 according to the criteria of Truelove and Witts. CMV colitis was diagnosed by histopathological and/or immunohistochemical analysis of tissue samples. The risk factors for CMV colitis were investigated and clinical outcomes were assessed using the rate of rescue therapy and colectomy.

RESULTS

Of 149 patients with ASUC, 50 (33.6%) were diagnosed with CMV colitis. During admission, 16 of 149 patients (10.7%) underwent colectomy: 7 of 50 (14.0%) in the ASUC-CMV group versus 9 of 99 (9.1%) in the ASUC-only group (P = 0.364). The need for rescue therapy was 2.28-fold higher in the ASUC-CMV group than in the ASUC-only group in multivariate analysis (95% confidence interval, 1.10-4.72). Multivariate analysis also revealed that recent use of high-dose steroids (odds ratio, 3.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.33-8.19) and a higher Mayo score (odds ratio, 1.58; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-2.38) were risk factors for CMV colitis.

CONCLUSIONS

CMV colitis often occurs in ASUC, particularly in patients who have recently been treated with high-dose steroids and have a higher Mayo score on admission. Patients with ASUC and CMV colitis seem to have a poorer prognosis, as indicated by the greater need for rescue therapy.

Cytomegalovirus and ulcerative colitis: Place of antiviral therapy

The link between cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and inflammatory bowel diseases remains an important subject of debate. CMV infection is frequent in ulcerative colitis (UC) and has been shown to be potentially harmful. CMV reactivation needs to be diagnosed using methods that include in situ detection of viral markers by immunohistochemistry or by nucleic acid amplification techniques. Determination of the density of infection using quantitative tools (numbers of infected cells or copies of the genome) is particularly important. Although CMV reactivation can be considered as an innocent bystander in active flare-ups of refractory UC, an increasing number of studies suggest a deleterious role of CMV in this situation. The presence of colonic CMV infection is possibly linked to a decreased response to steroids and other immunosuppressive agents. Some treatments, notably steroids and cyclosporine A, have been shown to favor CMV reactivation, which seems not to be the case for therapies using anti-tumor necrosis factor drugs. According to these findings, in flare-ups of refractory UC, it is now recommended to look for the presence of CMV reactivation by using quantitative tools in colonic biopsies and to treat them with ganciclovir in cases of high viral load or severe disease.

Natural History of Elderly-onset Ulcerative Colitis: Results from a Territory-wide Inflammatory Bowel Disease Registry

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Data on the natural history of elderly-onset ulcerative colitis [UC] are limited. We aimed to investigate clinical features and outcomes of patients with elderly-onset UC.

METHODS

Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of UC between 1981 and 2013, from 13 hospitals within a territory-wide Hong Kong Inflammatory Bowel Disease Registry, were included. Clinical features and outcomes of elderly-onset patients, defined as age ≥ 60 years at diagnosis, were compared with those of non-elderly-onset disease [< 60 years at diagnosis].

RESULTS

We identified 1225 patients, of whom 12.8% [157/1225; 56.1% male] had elderly-onset UC. Median duration of follow-up was 11 years [interquartile range, 6-16 years]. Age-specific incidence of elderly-onset UC increased from 0.1 per 100000 persons before 1991 to 1.3 per 100000 persons after 2010. There were more ex-smokers [32.2% vs. 12.2%, p < 0.001] and higher proportion of comorbidities [p < 0.001] in elderly-onset than non-elderly-onset patients. Disease extent, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants use, and colectomy rates were similar between the two groups. Elderly-onset disease was an independent risk factor for cytomegalovirus infection [odds ratio 2.9, 95% confidence interval 1.6-5.2, p < 0.001]. More elderly-onset patients had Clostridium difficile infection [11.0% vs. 5.4%, p = 0.007], hospitalisation for UC exacerbation [50.6% vs. 41.8%, p = 0.037], colorectal cancer [3.2% vs. 0.9%, p = 0.033], all-cause mortality [7.0% vs. 1.0%, p < 0.001], and UC-related mortality [1.9% vs. 0.2%, p = 0.017] than non-elderly-onset patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Elderly-onset UC patients are increasing in number. These patients have higher risk of opportunistic infections, hospitalisation, colorectal cancer, and mortality than non-elderly-onset patients. Management and therapeutic strategies in this special group need careful attention.